In Minnesota, at least one tornado hits every month from March to November. Andover lying in the tornado alley of Minnesota is frequent to tornado destruction.
Whether it’s a storm hitting or a tornado sweeping through the city, storm damage repair in Andover, MN, is a common service.
But, before you get expert help for the damage, there are some initial steps that homeowners should follow.
What are the Different Damages Caused by a Storm?
Whether it’s a windy storm, a hailstorm, or a tornado hitting the city, the effects are havoc. Property damage can be severe. Electrical units and trees get uprooted.
There are usually three most common types of damage:
Wind Damage
Strong winds during a storm or tornado, or cyclone can cause the roof sheet or the singles to be lifted. This causes the underlying layers to be exposed, which will damage the roofing if not repaired.
If the windows are not closed, the blinds or the pane can also bear severe damage. A natural disaster can also damage your patio and deck beyond repair.
Rain Damage
Heavy rain can cause floods. If there is a prediction of heavy rain, it’s best to move somewhere safe. The flood water can seep into the ground and damage your home’s foundation or seep through pipelines clogging your drains.
Also, repair your roof ahead of heavy rains to avoid rainwater leakage.
Hail Damage
Storms are often accompanied by hail which can be destructive to your homes. Not just the roof, but hail can cause damage to the exterior of your house. It can cause dents everywhere and weaken the top layers.
Cleaning Up After a Disaster
Depending upon the damage, proceed with caution. Before you enter the property, make sure it is safe to enter.
- Follow these steps to make sure you are safe at all times:
- Do not enter floodwater
- Make sure there are no power lines or uprooted electric lines
- Always keep a flashlight and gloves handy
- Make sure the water supply is safe before drinking
- Inspect the Damage from a Distance
The first step would be to evaluate the damage from a distance. Always enter the property during the daytime.
- Check if the roof is okay and whether shingles are damaged or missing
- Check for cracks, holes, denting, or broken parts in the exterior
- Check the basement, attic, and the walls for any sign of water leakage
- Take Photos of the Scene
After you are done surveying the scene, take photos of the damage. It will help you to keep track of all the repair work that needs to be done.
The photos can help you to claim insurance if the need arises.
- Clean Up and Take Preventive Measures
Keep bleach, buckets, flashlight, gloves, garbage bags, mops, and disinfectants handy for cleaning. Clean up the interior as well as your backyard and porch. If you find any uprooted trees, use chainsaws and other equipment only if you are an expert. Otherwise, you can contact a professional service.
After the initial cleaning, it’s time to repair the damages. Roofing, window replacements, trimming trees, and most companies offer other related services for storm damage repair in Andover, MN.
The Bottom Line
You can take these steps to keep your family and property safe. Contact your insurance company after a natural disaster to check the extent of benefits you can enjoy. Make sure you do this before you start any repair on your own.
